👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

🏦 A Tax Payment Backlog
🌟 A Celestial Show
🍽️ New Iraqi Flavors

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

📬 County Tax Processing Faces Delays

Recent winter weather has significantly impacted tax payment processing in St. Louis County. The Department of Revenue, already dealing with staffing shortages, received no mail deliveries during last week's snowstorm. Officials expect the backlog of roughly 400,000 check payments to be processed by the end of January.

🌎 Six Planets Visible Until February

A remarkable gathering of planets is occurring over our evening sky. Six planets have aligned in what astronomers call a "planet parade," with four visible without special equipment. Venus and Saturn will appear closest to each other this Sunday, separated by just 2.2 degrees in the southwestern sky.

📋 County Audit Reveals Time Card Issues

A recent audit of the St. Louis County Health Department has uncovered problematic timekeeping practices. The report identifies a pattern of false time records dating back to 2021, involving a former health inspector and two other employees. The inspector left their position in March, while their two colleagues face potential disciplinary action.

Business

🔥 New Iraqi Restaurant Opens in Ballwin

A new Mediterranean restaurant has opened on Manchester Road in Ballwin, where owners Ahmed Almedee and Dalia Ahmed serve traditional Iraqi dishes. Dinar's menu features grilled meats including shawarma and lamb tika, alongside classics like hummus and kebabs. The restaurant offers full table service with cart delivery for each course. The St. Louis Post Dispatch did a full profile of the restaurant here.

🚂 Transport Museum Seeks National Award

The National Museum of Transportation has earned recognition on the national stage. USA Today has nominated the local institution for its "Best Open-Air Museum" award, highlighting its extensive collection of historic vehicles and artifacts. The museum's collection includes numerous one-of-a-kind pieces spanning from the 1800s to present day.

🍽️ STL Dishes Make Food Network Fame

A new Food Network feature examining Missouri's iconic foods has highlighted 26 St. Louis area dishes and restaurants. The comprehensive guide includes local staples from multiple neighborhoods, showcasing everything from sandwiches and pizza to craft beer and artisanal cheese.

School District Highlights

🎨 Local Art Teacher Up for National Honor

A dedicated Eureka High School teacher has received national attention for her work. Jessica Esfahani, who teaches art and photography, has been nominated for the 2024-2025 LifeChanger of the Year award. Assistant Principal David Arledge nominated her for her outstanding ability to build positive relationships with students and her school leadership.

Ballwin

🏓 Last Call: Thursday Pickleball Sign-Ups

Time is running out to register for Thursday's Winter Round Robin pickleball event at The Pointe. Players will rotate through different partners and opponents during the two-hour session, which starts at 10am. Both beginner and intermediate skill levels are welcome to join this recreational event.

Chesterfield

🏗️ Business District Plan Gets Approval

Chesterfield's City Council has approved a new Special Business District tax plan for the former mall area. The development will include 2,000 residential units and a 300-room hotel across 3 million square feet of commercial space. A modified tax structure will protect existing property owners for the first five years through 2029.

Creve Coeur

💰 Creve Coeur Releases 2024 Finance Report

Creve Coeur has released its annual financial summary for 2024. The Popular Annual Financial Report provides residents with a simplified 8-page overview of the city's financial activities from the past fiscal year. The document reflects the city's ongoing work to maintain strong financial health and transparency.

Ellisville

🏛️ City Cuts Ribbon on New City Hall

The City of Ellisville marked an important milestone with the first City Council meeting held in their new Government Center on January 15th. The modern facility provides updated space for city operations and demonstrates Ellisville's commitment to serving its growing community.

Eureka

🌊 Water Quality Upgrade Begins in Eureka

Missouri American Water has completed the new water line extension that will connect Eureka homes to Missouri River water. The company is beginning a careful transition for Phase 1 customers, with all three phases planned for completion within 60 days. The new water source promises improved taste and reduced impact on household appliances.

🏋️ Youth Fitness Class at The Timbers

The Timbers is introducing a new program for younger members. On January 20th from 5:00-5:30pm, youth ages 11-15 can attend a required 30-minute orientation session that covers safety guidelines and proper equipment usage, allowing them to use the facility after completion.

Wildwood

🥶 Frozen Feet Run Set for January 25

Wildwood’s 15th Annual Frozen Feet Run will take place next week on January 25th. The 10-mile trail run continues its winter tradition, offering participants a chance to experience local trails in winter conditions. Registration is still open here, and all participants will receive commemorative items.

Upcoming Events

THANKS!

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